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Blackberry & Coconut Nectar Sorbet...Himalayan Style
Author Notes: This is a re-post, an ode to the earthy taste of summer all year long.
I normally wait to pick ripe berries from our property but because of my off season impatience I will buy frozen Himalayan berries from a local well-known berry patch to make this sorbet. The frozen berries work nicely, but when in season make sure to choose the juiciest, fragrant fresh berries possible.
Inspired by my Wild Blackberry Sorbet, onsite, I modified the sugar and corn syrup, with success, to make a low glycemic sorbet using raw coconut nectar and blackberry honey.
Coconut nectar is a rich caramel looking sap, extremely sweet and rich in nutrients but void of the flavor coconut flakes give; to compensate I like to use a coconut flavored rum to bring that flavor profile out. Note: Creme de Cassis works well with a berry base if not in a "coconut mood."
Liquid glucose combined with the citrus and alcohol used emulsifies nicely, helps to lower the freezing process and achieves a silky, soft consistency that holds together beautifully when scooped.
This sorbet sets nicely up to 3 days, but honestly, we never have any left past 3 days! - lapadia
Makes 1 quart
Instructions are for using a Cuisinart Yogurt-Ice Cream & Sorbet Maker. Place the freezer bowl in the freezer overnight
- 1/4 cup raw coconut nectar
- 1/3 cup raw organic honey (I prefer blackberry)
- 1/2 cup warm water
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 2 tablespoons coconut liqueur (Malibu Carribbean rum)
- 1-2 tablespoons extra honey on hand, if needed
- 3 cups Himalayan blackberries
- Combine the nectar, honey, water, lime juice and coconut rum, whisk until incorporated – I like to use a container with a spout and handle, easier for pouring, later.
- OPTIONAL - test the sweetness and adjust it to your taste by stirring extra honey one tablespoon at a time.
- Place the blackberries and then the honey-nectar mixture into a blender, puree until smooth. This will take about 30 seconds, depends on your blender.
- OPTIONAL - Pour puree through a strainer back into the container with spout to remove the seeds. Note: Himalayan berries have large seeds that are undesirable for some people; personally, we don't mind a little extra crunch and fiber and so I don't strain.
- Otherwise...
- Assemble your sorbet maker; place the freezer bowl and attachments onto the machine, turn ON, pour the puree into the freezer bowl and let churn until thickened, about 25 – 30 minutes.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place into the freezer or transfer to an airtight container until ready to serve. The sorbet starts out with a soft texture, but sets up nicely over time.
Note: Coconut Secret-coconut nectar can be found at Whole Foods, online, or in most grocery store health food sections.See second photo.
- This recipe was entered in the contest for Your Best Coconut
- This recipe was entered in the contest for Your Best Dish in the Raw
Comments (16) Questions (0)
almost 3 years ago lorigoldsby
Such a fresh color! Gorgeous!
almost 3 years ago lapadia
Thanks, Lori! So fresh tasting, too, as was the strawberry sorbet, just made. :)
almost 3 years ago lapadia
NOTE: I just made this recipe using fresh garden strawberries with success, as I expected would be the case. PS - I like using low GI alternatives vs granulated sugar whenever I can.
almost 3 years ago lapadia
oops..forget to mention that instead of creme de cassis, I used a raspberry liquor I had on hand, for this one.
almost 3 years ago TheWimpyVegetarian
I can totally attest to the absolute wonderfulness of this recipe. I tried it awhile ago without the coconut nectar and loved it then and know I'll love it even more now. On the menu for parties over the holiday weekend!
almost 3 years ago lapadia
Wow, thanks, ChezSuzanne. I like this version better, and I am watching our little wild berries in hopes of being able to pick them before all the critters gobble them up!
almost 3 years ago TheWimpyVegetarian
Good luck with that. I have mixed success with all the little critters that traipse through at night.
almost 3 years ago wssmom
This is amazing! Would any blackberry do .... I don't think I can find any Himalayan blackberries. Himalayan salt, yes. Blackberries, I don't know :)
almost 3 years ago lapadia
Hi wssmom, and thanks! Himalayan are usually considered an invasive plant around the country, am sure they grow around your area, too. They have a larger seed, that a lot of people don't like, but this can be strained, However I am sure any blackberry will do, in fact, I haven't tried it, but am thinking that blueberries and strawberries would be great if blackberries are not in season...but like I stated I used frozen, because I was impatient for the season...and it all worked out nicely :)
almost 3 years ago Beautiful, Memorable Food
I like all of the unexpected ingredients you use here to make this a really interesting sounding recipe. I haven't had Himalayan berries and am intrigued.
almost 3 years ago lapadia
Thanks, BMF! I am quite sure Himalayan berries grow around your neck of the woods, they really aren't in season yet, that is more towards the end of summer, however, earlier on, what I call the little "wild" ones - very tasty with little seeds...but hard to find, are ripe.
almost 3 years ago Sagegreen
almost 3 years ago lapadia
Thanks, Sagegreen!
almost 3 years ago lapadia
Oh, and btw, Sagegreen, so many of your recipes are just that....Gorgeous!
almost 3 years ago
hardlikearmour is a trusted home cook.
You truly are the queen of the Himalayan blackberry! I've been pulling out blackberry starts from my flower beds like a mad woman.....grrrr!
almost 3 years ago lapadia
I just love blackberry, we also have the little wild ones if we can get to them before all the critters! The Himalayan are hard to keep in control...


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Brazil has a totally different feel to it than the other Latin American countries. It positively vibrates, it is dynamic and the whole country has a unique energy. Its ethnic mix is very different from most South American countries with a predominance of Afro American people, especially in the Bahia coastal region. Brazil is a much underrated country in terms of tourism. Our trips explore much of the country, especially the little known regions and National Parks.
Most visitors start in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil's most famous city and home to the Christ the Redeemer statue. The deeper you travel into the country, the more the culture of Brazil is exposed. This is a chance to hear the soulful music which is influenced from Africa and Europe and brings the distinctive sounds of Samba, Choro, Brega and more, echoing throughout the land.
With the Amazon Rainforest covering large parts of Brazil, the natural environment is home to much wildlife and bio deversity. Eco safari in the rainforest and Pantanal are becoming popular elements of Brazilain tour
One of the many wonders is the language. Although Portuguese is the main language in Brazil, over 200 languages are spoken in the country, and the diversity of each reflects the diversity of the regions.
Brazil is also the place to taste many unique foods. Inspired by others to cook, no matter what direction you head in the country, you are bound to find something new each time. To the south of Brazil is the taste of grilled meats that melt in your mouth, and to the north is the amazing Manicobo dish, that takes at least a week to prepare.
Peru is home to some of South Americas most glorious landmarks, and the opportunity to partake in an activity seem endless.
The capital is Lima and it is known of the City of the Kings, it was founded by the Conquistador Pizarro in 1535. The elegant architecture runs through the capital and the cultural effects of the museums are all tucked away in this classic city.
Any introduction to Peru wouldn't be complete without the Inca civilisation. Cuzco is the ancient capital of the Inca empire. Even today, many of its buildings have original Inca stonework as part of their structure. The Incas had a highly organised and labour intensive society. They managed to conquer vast tracts of land and, through strong central and regional government, retained control over an empire that spanned South America, from mid Colombia in the north, to the middle of Argentina in the south and lasted for over four centuries.
The most famous Inca legacy is undoubtedly the Inca Trail the ancient set of pathway in the Andes that include the route up to the fantastic site of Machu Picchu. You can trek through the countryside making your way through the unspoilt land and view the breathtaking scenery that carries on to the horizon and beyond. When you reach Machu Picchu you will realise what a beautiful place it is, no photograph can really do the site justice. The long forgotten site was rediscovered by Hiram Bingham in 1911 and is simply awe inspiring and is a must visit place in South America.
Peru is flowing with fabulous landscapes and this continues at Lake Titicaca. On the border of Peru and Bolivia it is the highest navigable lake in the world. In the culture of Lake Titicaca, comes the sound of panpipes. An Andean music form, this woodwind instrument plays tranquil sounds and is a nice form of relaxation. The Charango is the national instrument of Peru. This stringed instrument was from a Spanish influence and has a distinctive sound. The taste is as distinctive as the sound and the national dish of Ceviche. This is a fish based dish where the fish is 'cooked' in lemon or lime juice.
The history and sites of Peru are outstanding, but also the friendly welcome visitors receive make Peru one of the most enjoyable countries in the world to visit.
Border information: Welcome to Rio de Janeiro: If you are starting in Rio, enter Brazil at Rio de Janeiro Airport.
Today is an arrival day with a trip meeting at 18:00 hrs. There are no activities planned so you can arrive at any time. Your leader will leave a note in reception telling you where this important meeting will take place. Your leader will collect your kitty and check your passport and insurance details at this meeting. Tonight we stay in a good quality hotel.
Carnival departures (6th of March 2014 and 19th of February 2015) the joining hotel will be Hotel Paysandu http://www.paysanduhotel.com.br/. Hotel Paysandu is located only 5 minutes walk from Hotel Argentina and is our Overlanders Carnival Hotel.
Hotel Argentina
Rua Cruz Lima, 30
Tel: +55 21 2558 7233
|Approximate Cost
Visit the world famous statue Christ the Redeemer
Take a cable car up Sugarloaf mountain in Rio
Rio de Janeiro has to be one of the most beautifully situated cities in the world. Sugar Loaf Mountain rises up out of Guanabara Bay, the sandy beaches of Ipanema and Copacabana cut beautiful curves in the shoreline, all under the watchful gaze of Christ the Redeemer.
This is a city with something for everyone; beaches, history, shopping, culture, fantastic food and amazing nightlife. For amazing views of this spectacular city, take the cable car up to the top of Sugar Loaf, or "Pao de Azucar" as the Brazilians call it, ride the train to Corcovado or jump on the tram to the historic hillside neighbourhood of Santa Teresa. If you're interested in learning more about Rio and Brazil, the Historical, Indian and National Museums are all well worth a visit, and even just wandering around the older parts of the city you'll be able to see some fantastic architecture. Kick back and relax on the beach, enjoy a beer or caipirinha at one of the many pavement cafes and then when evening comes you can party the night away - Rio has some unbelievable bars and clubs, Lapa is always a fun night out and Ipanema is always buzzing too. If you need a bit of quiet time to recover, take a walk in the Botanical gardens, or escape town for the day on an excursion to the lust forests of nearby Tijuca National Park.
Of course Rio is particularly famous for it's huge annual party - Carnival. The celebration of Mardi Gras 6 weeks before Easter is a great Brazilian tradition - the whole city goes wild for a full 7 days in a whirlwind of music and colour. Samba schools compete with ever more awe-inspiring dance displays and costumes putting on marathon perfomances in the Sambadrome, street parties are held all over the city and friends and families take to the beach.
We have a full day's drive to the beautiful old colonial mining town of Ouro Preto where we will set up camp for 2 nights in a campsite with facilities. Next day is a free day to have a look around town, exploring the cobble stone streets and maybe visit some of the many baroque churches. In and around town there are also several mines interesting to visit.
|Approximate Cost
Head underground into the gold mines of Ouro Preto
Time to explore unique colonial Ouro Preto and its architectural heritage
|Included in Kitty
Ouro Preto is a beautiful colonial town with cobbled streets and many baroque churches. Famed for its school of mining, it was originally the capital of Minas Gerais, one of the world's great mining regions. Many different types of gemstone can be bought here. We can visit the gold mine of Minas de Passagem and you may wish to also visit the Museum of Mineralogy. Some of Ouro Preto's many churches feature the work of Aleijadinho - Brazil's most famous sculptor - who worked in wood and soapstone. Replicas of his carvings can be bought in the town.
Time to set off towards Chapada dos Guimarães, an overland journey of almost 1700km in total. We will find somewhere en route to set up camp for the nights, probably without facilities.
We drive to Chapada dos Guimarães and set up camp in a campsite where we will be for 3 nights. Here we will meet up with our local guide who will be with us until Day 14. We have 2 full days of hiking around the stunning landscape of Chapada dos Guimarães. We will follow the popular waterfall trail offering waterfalls, natural pools and great views and also visit the Véu de Noivas (Portuguese for Bridal Veil) waterfall which is one of the postcard views of the Chapada. We will alsohike around the Rio Claro Valley and visit the Cidade de Pedra look-out point.
|Approximate Cost
2 full days hiking around Chapada dos Guimaraes National Park
|Included in Kitty
An early start from Chapada dos Guimarães as we drive to Poconé, the gateway to the northern Pantanal. From here we will start our trip along the Transpantaneira road, hopefully spotting some wildlife along the way. We will spend 3 nights in the Pantanal, staying in lodges with all food included. During our 2 full days here we will explore the flora and fauna of these vast wetlands on foot and horseback as well as in boats and our overland vehicle.
|Approximate Cost
Extra game drive, horseback riding tour or walking safari
2 day safari exploring the backwaters and ranches of the Brazilian Pantanal
|Included in Kitty
The Pantanal is the vast wetlands of Central Brazil, which are teeming with birdlife, caiman (or jacare) and rare mammals. There is in fact over 230,000 sq km of these wetlands and we now embark on a three day trip through this unique area. Here cattle ranchers live side by side to anacondas and jacare. The list of wildlife is staggering, and there is probably no-where else in South America where the visitor has such access to the indigenous species of wildlife. There are over 250 species of birds, including parakeets, macaws, kingfishers, ibis, storks, kites and hawks, hummingbirds and more. The mammalian and reptilian population is no less impressive, with prolific numbers of jacare, anacondas, iguanas, 2 species of anteaters, ocelot, jaguars, cougars, giant river otters and thousands of pamba and march deer. One of the easier animals to spot is the capybara, a giant guinea pig type rodent. They grow up to 60 kg. and live in large herds in the swamps. You may see jacare sunning themselves with their mouths wide open on the edge of the water-ways. These animals are dangerous and care must be taken while visiting this region. A visit to the Pantanal is really the highlight of a trip, from a ranch base we explore the surrounding area on horseback, from boats and on foot. Night fall brings a whole new variety of animals out for us to discover and if that isn't enough there is always a chance to try your hand at piranha fishing! We stay at a ranch and explore the surrounding area. We will ride out on horseback while our guide points out the local flora and fauna and explains how the local ranchers live in this wilderness area. We can also take out boats down the waterways and go piranha fishing. Our guides will be on hand to point out the amazing wildlife and explain how people live in the area.
After breakfast we leave the Pantanal and head to Vila Bela da Santissima Trinidade where we will spend 2 nights camping in a campsite with facilities. On our full day here we will go a boat trip on the Guaporé River in search of wildlife and visiting the Maroon communities.
The main activities here are based around the River Guapore, where you can spot some great wildlife and bird-life including capybara, anacondas, and most impressive of all the pink dolphins in the river. We spend the day with with our guide firstly exploring the beautiful colonial town of Vila Bela and learn how the Marrom community came about from the local tribes and fugitive slaves. We then take a boat down the river visiting a number of small hold farms to learn about the livestock, crops, fruit trees and vegetables that they grow.
|Approximate Cost
Guided tour of Vila Bela, the River Guapore and the local Marrom communities
|Included in Kitty
Time to say good bye to our local guide and head off north towards the Peruvian border, a total journey of over 1800km. We will spend the nights camping en route wherever we find a space to pitch our tents.
Our last full day's drive in western Brazil to the village of Xapuri. We stay the night in a local pousada (Portuguese for inn) with full facilities.
Today we cross from Brazil over Rio Acre and enter Peru. Once through border formalities we drive on to Puerto Maldonado, the base of our upcoming jungle trip. Tonight we will stay in a small locally run hotel.
|Approximate Cost
2 day / 3 night Amazon jungle lodge stay
|Included in Kitty
From Puerto Maldonado we head 20 km to Tambopata River Port where a boat transfer will be waiting to take us on a 45-min ride to Posada Amazonas. The lodge will provide us with rooms for 3 nights as well as all food during our stay.
In our two full days here we have a full schedule of activities, including a walk to the scaffolding canopy tower where from the top you can enjoy spectacular views of the forest and the Tambopata River, a visit to visit Tres Chimbadas Lake to look for the resident family of giant river otters and other lakeside wildlife, and an ethnobotanical tour to learn about the traditional ways of using plants as medicines. At night there's also an option of going for a hike in the forest. This is a time when most mammals are active but rarely seen so expect to use your ears more than your eyes. One of the mornings we will visit a Parrot Clay Lick which is a twenty minute walk from the posada. If it's a clear morning you have the chance to see dozens of parrots and parakeets descend to ingest the clay on a river bank. We also go on a guided hike in the forest, learning about the natural history of the rain forest, and visit one of the farms in the community of Infierno and learn about the different Amazon crops grown here.
|Approximate Cost
2 day / 3 night Amazon jungle lodge stay
|Included in Kitty
The Posada Amazonas is a rainforest lodge just a 45-minute boat ride from the town of
The Lodge is community Owned by the indigenous Ese-Eja community of Infierno and managed in partnership with Rainforest Expeditions, Posada Amazonas is located within the Ese-Eja's communal reserve, next to the Tambopata National Reserve.
The lodge has a 30 metre scaffolding canopy tower giving you spectacular views of the vast expanses of standing forest and the
Despite being relatively close to Puerto Maldonado, the Posada Amazonas offers ample opportunities to see wildlife and experience the Amazon's rich ecosystem at firsthand, including Monkeys such as Saddle Backed Tamarins, Squirrel Monkeys, Brown Capuchin Monkeys, Red Howler Monkeys , Dusky Titi Monkeys and you can also see wildlife such as: Parrots, Giant River Otters, Caymans and capybaras on the river banks.
Peru has the second largest portion of the Amazon rain forest after the Brazilian Amazon. The Peruvian Amazon jungle area stretches from the east of the Andes to borders with Ecuador, Colombia, Brazil and Bolivia. This region comprises 60% of the country and is marked by a huge degree of biodiversity. It is one of the most biologically diverse areas on Earth. Most species have probably still not been discovered, or adequately studied. As a nation, Peru has the largest number of bird species in the world and the third largest number of mammals.
The Peruvian Amazon is traditionally divided into two distinct ecoregions:
The first being the lowland jungle which is also known as Omagua region, Walla, Anti, Amazonian rainforest or Amazon basin. This ecoregion is the largest of Peru, standing between 80 and 1000 meters above sea level. It contains long and powerful rivers such as the Apurimac, Mantaro, Amazon, Urubamba, Ucayali, Huallaga, Marañón, Putumayo, Yavarí, Napo, Pastaza, Madre de Dios, Manu, Purus, Yurua and rio Tigre. The Apurimac River is the Amazon River's greatest contributor.
The second is the highland jungle which is also called Rupa-Rupa region, andean jungle, ceja de selva. This ecoregion extends into the eastern foothills of the Andes, between 1000 to 3800 m above the sea level. The eastern slopes of the Andes are home to a great variety of fauna and flora due to the different altitudes and climates within the region. Temperatures are warm in the lowlands and colder in higher altitudes. There are many endemic fauna because of the isolation caused by the rugged terrain of this area.
This morning we depart Posada Amazonas and drive onwards towards Cuzco. Today will be a long drive, heading towards the mighty Andes. The night will be spent camping without facilities.
A full day's drive brings us to the amazing town of Cuzco, gateway to the Inca Empire. We spend the night in a lovely hotel close to Plaza de Armas.
Cuzco is the ancient capital of the Inca empire and any adventure tour to Peru is centred around this stunning city. Even today, many of its buildings still retain some of the original Inca stonework as part of their structure. It is interesting to know that despite their advanced civilisation, the Incas did not know how to write and had not invented the wheel, yet they were skillful irrigation engineers, inventing the suspension bridge and hammock. They must have had theories on constructing buildings to avoid damage by earthquake, which may account for the way they fitted huge carved blocks of granite together in an incredibly precise jigsaw when creating new structures. Examples of their amazing building techniques can still be seen in and around Cuzco, including the infamous "twelve sided stone", now famous as part of the logo of Cuzco's native "Cusquena" beer.
The town is a fantastic place to spend a fews days. A good place to start your explorations is the majestic main plaza, heading out into the cobbled streets lined with attractive colonial buildings. Head up the hill into the neighbourhood of San Blas and you will discover another hidden square with a quiet laid back feel. All the streets are lined with shops, bars and restaurants, from small local cafes to five star dining experiences. If you're interested in learning more about the history and culture of Peru, there are also some fantastic museums here and the many churches are well worth a look as well. So take to the streets and wander around, haggle with the street vendors, kick-back and enjoy a coffee in one of the many cafes with balconies overlooking the square and just enjoy Cuzco and it's beautiful surroundings.
Cuzco is also the gateway to Machu Picchu with most people trekking one of the many Inca Trails to reach this ancient Inca city.
The trip ends this morning. No accommodation is provided for tonight.
Border information: If you are leaving in Cuzco, exit Peru at Cuzco Airport.
|Approximate Cost
White-water rafting and mountain biking in the
We intend following the planned route but exact night stops cannot be guaranteed. It sometimes happens that we decide to make a change to our basic planned itinerary. This may be for a variety of reasons - climatic, road or bureaucratic conditions may demand it. By their very nature overland itineraries need to be flexible and the regions that we are travelling through are often unpredictable. We run adventure journeys in off the beaten track areas, often in areas without western infrastructure. You should expect that some these areas do not adhere to western safety standards.
South America is diverse continent from high altitude, to the steamy Amazon, to baking deserts. You should therefore be prepared for the full gambit of climates. There will be time for hikking and other activities such as horse riding and you will need to be reasonably fit. Overland travel can be demanding - long, rough travel days, dusty conditions can be challenging to some. You will need to be fit enough to help every day with the camp chores (cooking, washing up, general camp set up) as well as putting up and taking down your own tent. There are some long driving days and some early morning starts. The step up into the overland vehicle, while not overly high can become tiring and you need to judge yourself to be physically fit enough to haul yourself up and down the step at least 8-10 times a day. By and large the South America trips have a good range of hotel accommodation mixed up with camping so that life is not too rough.
Most countries we visit on our travels will require visas. Some are best obtained before you leave home and others can be obtained en-route. Whilst the ultimate responsibility for obtaining visas is yours, we will endeavour to assist you wherever possible.
The visa requirements for your trip vary depending on where you are from and where you are going. The information provided is given in good faith and we do try to keep the visa information as up to date as possible. Please be aware though that rules do change, often without prior warning, which is why it is important that you check for yourself.
For visas that are needed in advance, you can choose to submit the applications directly to the relevant embassy or consulate. However, our recommendation is that you use a visa agent to assist you with your applications. While this does increase the cost, it will make the process much easier for you. Dragoman have teamed up with 'The Visa Machine' to create a safe, secure, hassle-free way of obtaining visas and visa advice. Our unique link within their website is designed to make the visa process as straightforward as possible. Simply go to https://dragoman.thevisamachine.com and click on your region of travel followed by your trip route and 'The Visa Machine' will advise you about not only the required visas but also the dates by which you should apply. 'The Visa Machine' can then assist you in the actual visa application, thus taking all the worry and hassle out of the process. This should apply for ALL nationalities and countries of residence.
As you will need to submit your passport together with your applications, we recommend that you avoid making any travel plans in the weeks leading up to your departure. However if you do need to travel in this period please let us know as soon as possible so that we can help you work out the options for your visa application process.
Nationals of the EU,
Nationals of
If your nationality was not included in the above mentioned group, please contact your nearest embassy to find out your visa requirements.
Nationals of most countries including Australia, the EU, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, South Africa, Switzerland, Turkey and the UK do not need a visa for tourist visits of limited duration to Peru
If your flight to central or South America is via the USA then you MUST obtain an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) before travel.
An ESTA can be obtained online via the following link and paying the appropriatefee - https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta/
Based on the range that previous travellers have spent on trips in South America, we recommend you allow between a minimum of US$15 and a maximum of US$30 per day. This amount is usually lower in countries such as Bolivia, Ecuador and Peru but slightly higher elsewhere.
This will cover expenses such as your drinks, meals when staying in hotels, souvenirs, tips and personal permits.
It is not really worth trying to buy local currencies before you travel. Bear in mind that many countries have strict regulations about the amount of their own local currency you are allowed to import - if you are found with amounts in excess of the allowed amounts, it may well be confiscated!
For obvious security reasons we hesitate to recommend you bring lots of cash with you, a sensible mix of cash and ATM cards is best. Most of our past passengers have said they wished they had been told to bring more cash. Apart from the convenience of being able to change money in many more places, you will sometimes get a much better exchange rate for cash.
More and more people are choosing to travel with cash passports such as TravelEx cards (you can visit www.cashpassport.com for further information on these). This is a very secure way of carrying your money whilst travelling. You treat them exactly like an ATM card and draw out local currency from an ATM within each country.
Travellers cheques have become increasingly difficult to change in South America with passengers and our leaders experiencing huge frustration and numerous hours spent trying to find a bank which will change travellers cheques. For this reason we no longer accept them on our trips.
You should take a mixture of denomination notes. However due to a recent counterfeit scam central banks in several South American countries (Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia and Chile) have temporarily banned the circulation of $100 notes bearing a series 2001 production date and a serial number starting with the letters CB or CF and ending in B2. The serial number is printed in green on the emblem. Banks and moneychangers in most countries will now only accept bills with a metallic strip running top to bottom of the bill and which are dated from 2003 or later. You should not take worn or damaged notes, or any that have been written on. Cash machines are readily available in most areas but are not always reliable therefore we recommend that you do not rely on them as your only source of cash. Credit cards such as Visa, MasterCard and American Express are the most commonly accepted, but be prepared for very high commission charges. Please do not rely on cards for daily use, as they are not always accepted outside of larger towns and cities. If you are taking traveller's cheques, we recommend that you should only take those issued by American Express. Please note that Thomas Cook traveller's cheques may be used in some places, but are becoming more difficult to change. Brazil can be difficult for changing forex, it's handy to have a cash card as backup. Please bring a mixture of small and large denominations as in more remote areas it can be hard to change amounts over $50. Kitty contributions should be at least half in cash and be in the same denominations and currencies as suggested above. Any proportion of kitty contributions paid in travellers cheques should be increased to cover the commission charge incurred in exchanging them.
At Dragoman we believe you should make the most of the places you visit, so if you would like to see more of your joining or finishing point cities, why not book additional accommodation to extend your stay. Dragoman can take away the hassle of time zones and language barriers by making the booking for you. This accommodation is only available at the joining or finishing city of your trip, immediately before or after the trip you are travelling on.
While Dragoman is happy to assist with booking your pre and post trip accommodation, it is important that you understand you may be able to book your own room at a cheaper rate directly through the hotel or on the internet. Our additional accommodation prices are based on the hotel's rate plus an administration fee. Please note our rates do not reflect last minute walk in rates or internet specials.
We can also book arrival airport transfers for you as long as we have your flight arrival details. These are normally payable in cash upon arrival, however we do have pre paid transfers in a few destinations.
Please contact our reservations team for details of the accommodation and transfers that we can offer as not all hotels offer this service.
Dragoman overland trips are designed for shared accommodation, whether camping or staying in hotels and therefore do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers will share with people of the same sex for the duration of the trip, in accommodation ranging from twin to multi-share. The type and variety of accommodation is determined by conditions on each of our routes. The campsites will range from rather basic to those with excellent facilities, including swimming pools, restaurants and bars. In some cases it may also be possible to upgrade locally to bungalows, lodges or even tree-houses. One of the highlights of overlanding is that in more remote areas we will wild camp. This allows us to get far away from the tourist crowds to some beautiful, secluded spots. On some of our trips we are able to stay in villages or local homestays, this allows us to get close to indigenous populations and ensures our money stays within local communities.
The maximum group size we take on our overland journeys ranges from 19 to 22 depending on the geographical location, however the average number of passengers is more likely to be around 16.
Please note that there is an overlap of 2 trips in Zanzibar. This means a group starting a trip in Nairobi for example will visit Zanzibar at the same time as groups starting their trips in Dar es Salaam. In practical terms this means there could be up to 44 group members in Zanzibar at the same time.
Our passengers come from around the world and are always an interesting mix of nationalities and ages. On average there is a pretty even split, males to females and between solo travellers, couples and small groups of friends. We believe that overlanding should be open to as many people as possible and so although we have a minimum age limit of 18, as long as you are fit, healthy and passionate about travel, we are happy to take you, whatever your age is. One of the beauties of group travel is the camaraderie and friendships that are formed along the way and as well as the variety of people that you will meet.
At any time before or after you book you can join our community - Dragoland. This is a great place to ask questions before you travel and catch up with your fellow travellers once your trip has finished. You can share photos, videos and stories You can also download a selection of free travel apps. See the home page to sign in, it's free and easy.
We also have a Facebook page where travellers regularly swap info with each other - you can join here
Our crew are passionate about travel and always up for adventure. It takes someone special to become a Dragoman leader. Our crew undergo the most intensive training program of all overland companies, spending 10 weeks learning the ropes at our base in Suffolk, UK and then up to six months on the road as a trainee. On all Dragoman overlanding trips two western crew who are responsible for the group and the overall organisation will accompany you. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad knowledge of the places visited and to offer suggestions of things to do and see. On trips South of Nairobi in East and Southern Africa we will also have an African camp master/cook who is in charge of running the camp and organising all of the meals. Their knowledge of the local produce makes shopping at the markets great fun and you will learn how to prepare and cook some unusual dishes. In the rest of Africa, South America and the majority of Central Asia and China we use local guides who may stay with us for just a few hours or will actually travel with us for some or all of the journey. In these cases they become a third crew member and are able to offer their local knowledge as well as a real insight into the lives of the local people.
Dragoman endeavours to provide the services of experienced crew however, due to the seasonality of travel, situations may arise where your crew is new to a particular region or training other crew.
Your tour leader has a duty of care to all of their passengers and therefore they have the authority to ask passengers to leave the trip if they require medical assistance, are behaving in an anti-social manner or refuse to comply with local laws and customs. In all matters relating to the trip, the leader's decision will be final and we appreciate your respect of this.
All Dragoman travellers need to be in good physical health in order to participate fully in our trips. When selecting your trip please make sure you have read through the itinerary carefully and assess your ability to cope with our style of travel. Please note that if, in the opinion of our leader, any traveller is unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group, Dragoman reserves the right to exclude them from all or part of the trip without a refund.
You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information prior to travel, particularly if you have a pre-existing medical condition. We also advise you to declare any pre-existing medical conditions to your travel insurers upon purchase.
For trips that travel to areas of high altitude we also require all travellers to complete an altitude questionnaire. The ratings for each trip are a good indication of how challenging they are and in some cases customers should be prepared for some long driving days and possibly limited facilities. We are always happy to give extra advice if you have additional concerns.
Recommended vaccinations and other health protection vary according to regions and recent bulletins issued by health authorities. It is essential to get the latest advice on the region(s) you are planning to travel in. It is essential that you check with either your doctor or travel clinic in good time before you travel.
In the UK we have been working with Nomad travel for many years and their website has comprehensive, up to date vaccination and health information. Dragoman customers will receive a 10% discount off all vaccinations given at Nomad Travel clinics.
A good source of up to date information is the world Health Organisation - http://www.who.int/en/
Get expert advice before travelling about types of malaria pills and take them as instructed. Recommended types do change from time to time and from area to area. Consult your vaccination centre for the most up-to-date requirements
The mosquito usually bites between the hours of dusk and dawn and so covering up by wear long-legged and long-sleeved clothing, preferably light coloured and buttoned at the wrists can help. Do not sleep without closing windows, tent doors or, if sleeping out, use a mosquito net. Wear repellent applied directly to the skin or soaked into clothing.
Treating clothes and mosquito nets with a Permetherin solution provides significant protection. It should be available at most travel stores. Mosquito coils are useful on still nights, in hotel rooms but cannot be used inside the tents.
On an overland journey you are more than just a passenger - you're part of the crew. You are expected to pitch in to set up camp, shop for food, cook and generally help out. As part of your trip you will be assigned a truck job which could be collecting water and firewood, sweeping out the truck, loading the back locker, etc.
While camping on overland journeys, all meals are included in the kitty. This means that you will have to work together to cook for everyone in your group. You will be divided into smaller units of 3-4 people and take it in turns to cook for the whole group according to a rota system. When it is your turn to cook you will have to plan the meal, shop for the ingredients in local markets or supermarkets and then prepare the meal for the whole group. The secret to cooking for 20+ people in a basic camping kitchen is to keep it simple! (On trips south of Nairobi we have a cook on board the truck; however you will still be required to help prepare meals).
If you have any dietary requirements please tell us at the time of booking and also remind your crew at your welcome meeting. An example of a typical camp breakfast might be toast with spreads, fruit and cereal as well as tea and coffee. When time allows it will also be possible to serve something hot such as eggs or pancakes. Lunch is almost always a sandwich heaped high with healthy salad and assorted fillings, with fruit to follow. Dinner might be a BBQ, risotto or pasta dish and there is always the chance to try some local cooking. Generally our passengers find the more they put into a trip, the more they benefit from it.
Dragoman is committed to ensuring that we have a positive impact on local communities and that we implement policies to minimise any negative impact on the local environment. We are dedicated to making sure that we adopt a responsible attitude to the areas through which we travel and believe that our trips should benefit the local people and their environment. Dragoman recognises that we are guests of local communities and strive to make these communities our partners, so that they benefit directly from our visit. You can find full details of Dragoman's responsible tourism policy linked from the home page.
Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on our trips. Possessing or using drugs is not only against the law, but also puts the rest of the group at risk. Smoking marijuana and opium is a part of local culture in some parts of the world but is not acceptable for Dragoman customers. It is one of our core values to treat all people we encounter with respect which of course includes all the local people who make our destinations so special. The exploitation of prostitutes or children is completely contrary to this philosophy. Our group leader has the right to expel any member of the group if drugs are found in their possession or if they use prostitutes or abuse children. Equally Dragoman will not tolerate any violence or threat of violence towards local people, other group members or any member of our staff.
We expect all our customers to obey all the laws of the countries through which we pass. This particularly applies to the smuggling of contraband and possession of narcotic drugs (as above), firearms, antiquities and ivory.
Any customer found contravening such laws or customs will be required to leave the trip immediately with no refund of the trip price.
One of the real advantages of overland travel is that the vehicle provides a very real level of security when travelling. There is no doubt that a properly equipped overland vehicle, with safes, fully lockable doors and windows is an obvious advantage when travelling in much of the world. We recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt whilst travelling for the safe-keeping of your passport, air tickets, cash and other valuable items (although most of these can be locked in the safe whilst you are on the trip) and advise passengers to leave any valuable jewellery, watches etc at home. Generally speaking, you will not be travelling on local public transport and will have the added security of travelling in a group with experienced crew on hand to offer advice.
Please note: Any personal effects that are left on the truck, even if they are stored in the safe, are left at your own risk and Dragoman cannot be held responsible for any damage or theft that may occur.
The safety of our passengers, leaders and operators is a major priority of Dragoman. With this in mind we monitor world events very closely. By the very nature of the adventure travel that we take, there are risks and hazards that are inherent in our itineraries. Dragoman makes operational decisions based on informed advice from a number of sources:
The British Foreign and Commonwealth Office travel advice
Reports from other travel companies and local suppliers
Leaders reports from off the road
Local contacts we have built up over 31 years of experience
Dragoman has also teamed up with the UK Foreign and commonwealth office (FCO) in their 'Know before you go campaign' www.gov.uk/knowbeforeyougo. This website offers straightforward travel advice, top tips, and up to date country information to help you plan a safe trip.
Many national governments provide a regularly updated advice service on safety issues involved with international travel. You should always make yourself aware of the travel advice before you book and again before you travel. Below are links to some of the websites
Britain. http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/travelling-and-living-overseas/travel-advice-by-country
Australia. http://www.smartraveller.gov.au/
New Zealand. http://www.safetravel.govt.nz/
United States. http://travel.state.gov/travel/travel_1744.html
Canada. http://www.voyage.gc.ca/countries_pays/menu-eng.asp
Dragoman has comprehensive passenger liability protection and tour operator insurance. These policies have total indemnities of £3,000,000 and £10,000,000 respectively. This is in addition to local vehicle insurance and your personal travel insurance.
We have a dedicated 24 hour telephone number which should only be used once you have left the UK and in the event of a real emergency. Should you need to call the number, we will do what we can to help but please bear in mind that real progress or action may not be possible until normal office hours.
If your flight is delayed or cancelled, please let us know and then make your way to the joining hotel as instructed in theses trip notes. If you cannot get through leave a message and a contact number as these will be regularly checked and the crew informed if necessary.
Emergency Number: +44 (0) 7985106564.
It is a condition of booking that you have comprehensive travel insurance. Without evidence of valid travel insurance you will not be allowed to start the trip.
Whatever policy you choose, you must ensure that it is designed for adventure/overland travel. As such it must cover you for adventure activities such as white water rafting, trekking, horse-riding and that the 24 Hour Emergency Assistance Company must be experienced in handling situations in developing countries – for example they have the ability to arrange repatriation from remote areas such as the Sahara or if you were trekking in the Andes. Please double check if you have annual travel and/or credit card policies to ensure they have the cover you require, as many of these policies are not able to cope with adventure travel to remote areas. We recommend that any policy has the following minimum levels of cover: Medical (incl. repatriation) £5,000,000 Personal Liability £5,000,000 Cancellation and Curtailment £5,000 Loss of Baggage, personal effects, money and other inclusions are down to personal choice.
While we always endeavour to provide the best possible holiday experience, due to the nature of travel and the areas we visit sometimes things can and do go wrong. Should any issue occur while you are on your trip it is imperative that you discuss this with your group leader or our local partner straight away so that they can do their best to rectify the problem and save any potential negative impact on the rest of your trip.
We recognise that there may be times when your group leader may not be able to resolve a situation to your satisfaction. If this is the case please contact our customer relations department on firstname.lastname@example.com. You may also choose to provide details in your feedback questionnaire which we ask you to complete at the end of your trip but we do ask you to be aware that it is very difficult for us to provide any practical help after the trip is complete.
Check that your passport will still be valid for 6 months after the end of the trip - this is important as some countries WILL refuse entry to anyone whose passport is due to expire. A temporary or "visitor's" passport is not valid on our trips. You will need to provide us with your passport details prior to departing for you trip. If you change your passport please remember to inform us.
Although you will not have to carry your main bag long distances you will need to help load and unload them onto the truck. For this reason we recommend that you use a backpack or soft bag rather than a heavy suitcase. During your trip your main luggage will be kept in the back locker so you will also need a small daypack. This can be used to carry your camera, water bottle and other personal effects for daily use.
The size of baggage that can be brought on this tour is limited by the locker space on the truck. Different trucks have different-sized lockers however to be safe we recommend that your bag be no larger than 66cm deep, 30cm wide, and 30cm high. The weight limit for luggage on all trucks is maximum 20kg. Backpacks should not have an external frame unless it can be easily removed and stored separately to avoid damaging other people's luggage.
Your clothes and equipment should be appropriate for the conditions you are travelling in. On overland trips Dragoman will provide all camping equipment apart from sleeping bags and ground mats (except on routes between Nairobi and Cape Town where ground mats are provided).
The clothes and equipment should be appropriate for the conditions you are travelling in, which will vary depending on which part of the world you're heading to. On overland trips Dragoman will provide all camping equipment apart from sleeping bags and ground mats*, so you'll need to bring those with you. Think about the climate and altitude of the areas you'll be travelling to, there's nothing worse than being cold at night so it's worth investing in a decent sleeping bag if it's likely to get cold. And remember even when it's warm during the day, it can often get cold at night, particularly in desert regions.
IMPORTANT: Ground mats are provided on all of our overland trips that run in South and East Africa, between Nairobi and Cape Town. This includes our Family trips between Nairobi and Cape Town.
For a general idea of what you need this list provides a guide:
For a comprehensive kit lists take a look at the Dragoman kit list that Nomad Travel have created. Dragoman customers will receive a 10% discount on all equipment purchased either online or in store. Click to see the kit lists www.nomadtravel.co.uk/kitlist/overlanders-kit-list
The sale of bottled water contributes to an enormous environmental problem around the world. In addition to the water in bottles, the production of a 1 litre plastic bottle takes 2 litres of water and 200ml of oil. A large proportion end up in limited landfill or discarded in waterways and natural environments.
Please avoid the purchase of bottled water by using the chemically sterilized water stored in the purpose built storage tank or in water jerry cans in your Overland vehicle. You are free to refill your bottle as many times a day as you like. You are helping the environment and your hip pocket!
All of our trucks have a fully stocked medical kit onboard for use in emergency situations only. Therefore in addition to this we recommend that you purchase your own personal medical kit. In the UK we have teamed up with Nomad Travel Stores and Clinics to produce the Dragoman Travel Medical Kit. It has been designed in conjunction with the truck kits and contains everything you would need for any minor accidents. For more details please visit their website:
Your vehicle will be equipped with a 12 volt socket so to charge your iPod, MP3 player, camera, laptop and mobile phone you will need a DC 12 volt adapter - the type that can be used from a cigarette lighter in your car. Please be aware that only one piece of equipment can be charged at a time and it will not be allowed if there is a risk of running the vehicle's batteries low. Batteries may also be recharged from hotel room wall sockets and the majority of the campsites we stay at have electricity points so please bring along your normal charging adapters as well. You will need to ensure that you have the correct country adaptor for your specific charger.
For mobile phones, please note that most countries in the Americas operate at 850MHz and 1900 MHz which is not the same frequencies used in Europe, Africa, Asia and Australia. Most modern tri-band and quad-band mobile phones will be able to operate on these frequencies but please check your mobile phone specifications before travelling to ensure that you'll be able to use your phone in the Americas.
In addition to the trip price on our overlanding trips you will also be required to pay a kitty specified for your trip. The kitty is payable in instalments at the start of each section of the trip for combination trips, and in full at the start of the trip for individual trips. Each customer joining a trip pays their kitty into a central fund. The fund is managed by the Dragoman crew & kitty accounts can be viewed by all throughout the trip.
The Kitty covers all things that the whole group does, such as:
The kitty system is very unique to overlanding and we believe it allows us to have flexibility & transparency on our trips. You can see exactly how your money is being spent and ensure that you are getting the best value by buying locally. It also helps to keep the costs competitive & save on administration costs so that we can pass the saving on to you. Dragoman makes NO PROFIT on kitties as they are the group's fund.
We constantly update the kitty prices on our website and the kitty advertised in the brochure is an estimate at the time of printing. Prices can go up or down with no notice and exchange rate fluctuations will affect costs. If there is money left in the kitty at the end of your trip then this is divided between the group and you receive a refund. Once you book your trip it is very important that you check our website on a regular basis and just before departure for any changes to the kitty amount.
At least half of your kitty should be paid in cash in the specified currency on the website (US Dollars or Euros in West Africa). The outstanding amount can be paid in local currency during your trip; your leader will give you the exchange rate. Most of our travellers choose to bring a cash passport with them for withdrawing local currency (you can visit www.cashpassport.com for further information on these). This is a very secure way of carrying your money whilst travelling. You treat them exactly like an ATM card and draw out local currency from an ATM to give to your leader within each country.
Travellers cheques have become increasingly difficult to change around the world with passengers and our leaders experiencing huge frustration and numerous hours spent trying to find a bank which will change travellers cheques. For this reason we no longer accept them on our trips.
Sometimes, civil or political unrest, or reasons beyond Dragoman's control (e.g. a natural disaster), can mean that an itinerary is disrupted and we have to make a contingency plan. This may involve hiring alternate transport or even the whole group flying over an area. Although Dragoman will help organise travel arrangements, in circumstances outside Dragoman's control you should be prepared to contribute towards the costs and therefore we ask you to bring along a 'Contingency Fund' of USD400. In almost all cases trips run smoothly and this fund is therefore never used. We also recommend that you take along an internationally recognised credit or charge card with a decent limit in case of emergencies, such as medical treatment en route, or even the need to be repatriated; though these occurrences are rare. Remember that travel insurance policies usually only refund you for expenses after you have already paid out.
Tipping is entirely voluntary. The Dragoman crew may be travelling with you for many weeks and usually they become good friends with most members of the group. It is sometimes easy to forget that they do work hard to ensure that you do have a great trip. If you feel you would like to tip them, they certainly would appreciate it. On a number of our trips, we also use a local guide as well as our own Dragoman crew. These guides live and travel with you through their home country and it is usual to tip them when they leave. We recommend USD10 to USD15 per person.

subset: commoncrawl


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Pego wrote:Blues wrote:I've gotten a lot closer to potentially dangerous animals and venomous snakes in the wild
Since you are still here, that indicates that you never crossed the boundaries of "common sense" whatever that may be in different situations. The late Mr Wieme did and as a result, he is no longer with us.
Well, we may never know what Mr. Wieme knew or assumed regarding the risks involved. I would wager good money though that Mr. Wieme didn't know he was stepping out onto the top of a smokestack, and the news reports also state that he thought he was stepping onto a ledge on the observation deck... Again, if there was no reasonable reason he should have assumed it was a smokestack, and the hotel didn't have the area secured, then I won't necessarily call him dumb, especially knowing the specific set of value orientations a dedicated photographer might have. What he climbed didn't appear to look like a smokestack from his vantage point, wasn't secured, and only involved climbing about 10 to 15 steps from the observation deck up an attached ladder, as can be seen in the photo I posted previously.
If I crouch down to get a close up shot of a wild rattlesnake from about 6 feet away, I'm using the established facts that rattlesnakes can't strike more than a length of 1/2 to 2/3 of their bodies, and that a rattlesnake won't chase you.. Obviously if something makes me fall forward I'm screwed, or if something suddenly forces the rattlesnake to move closer to me I might be screwed, but I evaluate the possibilities, and evaluate my chance of dealing with any unexpected situations, and then decide whether or not to take the risk. On the rare chance that a tree should fall unexpectedly, or a tornado should suddenly crop up out of thin air, or a pile of space junk falls on me from outer space, and I end up getting knocked forward and bitten, or if I should somehow encounter the one in a million "Usain Bolt of rattlesnakes" and he's able to bite me from 6 feet away when no other rattlesnakes can, some people would call me dumb, while others would call me unlucky. It just seems to me that there might be different ways to look at the same situation, especially if we haven't walked in the involved person's shoes or don't know all the facts involved.


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Dwayne Johnson Leaves The Rock Behind
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The Expendables' Awesome Movie Posters Released
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John Le Carre Message Board
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posts on 7/2/2013 5:54:44 PM
Blood Moon is actually coming out at Halloween 2013. I apologize for the earlier post with the typo. The author now welcomes questions on his blog and fb. I'm so happy to see the series will is going to continue!
Anastasia Kucharski
posts on 1/1/2012
Anastasia Kucharski has just written a review of Our Kind of Traitor which you can see
posts on 8/28/2010 8:40:47 PM
Does anyone know where to find the quote in the book "A Perfect Spy by John Le Carre" about standing up for yourself? It goes something like this... 'If I do not shat up for myself, who will, and if not now... when? And if I do stand up for myself what does that make me?" A chapter, a page number anything to locate it would be apprciated. thank you, kelly
Nikhil raj
posts on 8/28/2009 4:47:03 PM
I have always thought that Lecarre's portrayal of his protagonist women to be quiet unique in comparison,especially in his rich portrayal of their emotional mindset & feelings.i also find an uncanny similarity bw his characters of tessa quayle[constant gardener] & sophie[ the night manager].i am a great fan of him&wish him all the best of luck!
posts on 6/3/2009 2:49:27 PM
I really am a great fan of your books, and have read most of them. I wish you would write again using your character Goerge Smiley, as those books are by and large your very best work. DO you intend on doing this in the future? Please do not put 'George' to rest. Anita
M Moulding
posts on 2/8/2009 10:39:28 AM
My husband,David Moulding was in the same house at school as you(wearing yout David Cornwall hat).As we live in West Cornwall perhaps you might like to meet him for a drink where you could compare notes re life with pompous Tompous etc. I am not telling him about this message so he won't be disappointed if you don't think it a good idea. He was two years ahead of you but vaguely remembers a fair haired boy(??) but like you has mixed views about his years at Sherbourn. Phone no. 01326 564650
nancy dingwall
posts on 7/24/2008 11:15:13 AM
I read the Constant gardener and still don't know who killed justin. Help me out.
r nemechek
posts on 7/12/2007 6:34:33 PM
would someone relate the plot of "naive and sentimental lover"?
barrett newsom
posts on 3/13/2007 8:16:00 PM
Regarding The Mission Song, at the end, Philip and Sam seem to have an inordinate amount of information regarding Salvo and Hannah. If they were up on all these things, how did the encounters with Brinkley and Anderson take place without incident? If they only just tumbled to Hannah after she sent the email to Haj, how did they do it? I want to know what those guys are doing behind the scenes. Isn't it infuriating?
Elena S.
posts on 9/26/2005 2:46:23 PM
Tessa plays "wet-nurse" to the little black baby b/c her own baby (son) was born dead. Poisoned perhaps? The black baby's 15 yr old mother is dying of AIDS & the compassionate Tessa nursed the little black baby b/c she just wanted to help. While the young black mother's dies of AIDS, her 9 yr old brother & their mother wind up looking after the child. Tessa attempts to discover more about the enormous number of deaths occurring & seemingly related to the drug (Dypraxa)people are being treated with that is supposed to make them well but instead is killing them. Who is responsible for this madness? Why isn't something being done? Does anyone even care? Loved the movie EXCEPT the camera work was jarring unsteady & made me nauseous & also the director elected to shoot many of the scenes both in & out of focus. Just recently a friend & I were have a conversation about this very subject...greedy drug companies not wanting to cure people b/c it would cost them profits. Then, this movie, a bit too close for comfort IMO.
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Milan Spring 2014
Latest News: Milan Spring 2014
Milan Spring 2014: Giorgio Armani, Gianfranco Ferré
Giorgio Armani: Mr. Armani knows how to do a ladylike suit like no one out there. So why stray from the chic formula? There's a reason this man has a fashion empire. For Spring, he...
Milan Spring 2014: Marco De Vincenzo
Marco De Vincenzo: If there was ever a "one to watch" at Milan Fashion Week, Marco De Vincenzo is it. How come? Although the design has been showing for seven seasons, this year people...
Milan Spring 2014: Missoni, Salvatore Ferragamo
Missoni As guests entered the Missoni show this season through a giant courtyard, where children innocently played games and were amusingly unmoved by the fashion circus that circled...
Milan Spring 2014: Dolce & Gabbana, Marni
Dolce & Gabbana Gold, gold, and more gold! At Dolce & Gabbana's much anticipated show (and very exclusive, at that, as the invitations had barcodes and ID was required at the door...
Milan Spring 2014: Emilio Pucci, Moschino, Roberto Cavalli, Jil Sander
Emilio Pucci: With Joan Smalls as the opener for the bold and embellished Emilio Pucci Spring 2014 collection, Peter Dundas proved that sports can be glam. At least when your sports...
Milan Spring 2014: Emporio Armani, Sportmax, Etro, Blumarine
Emporio Armani Held at Armani's via Bergognone digs, guests entered the stark concrete space (which resembles some very modern museum) into a stadium seating setup of at least...


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InstaDerby is your daily window into the world where you can share, discover recognize and connect with other Instagramers, anywhere. And try to take better pics than them... Game on.
We're thinkers, doers, photographers, musicians, artists and interwebsists. We really
like hot dogs.
We love meeting new people and seeing the world through different lenses, which is why we're obsessed with Instagram.
We're not such a fan of turtle necks because it feels like a sweater is trying to slowly cut off circulation to our brains.
We like to play.
So do you. Come play with us.
Every Monday morning we will release a theme that will run for a full week. To participate, simply Instagram a photo that relates to the theme and hash tag it with #instaderby #(theme of the week). Then visit InstaDerby.com to view your submission and see how people from all over interpreted the same theme.
Share your photos with friends, co-workers, random people on the street, etc. to collect more votes. Winning photographers will be featured on the home page the following week and will be forever revered in history aka on our Leaderboard.
By sharing, tweeting and encouraging your friends, family, co-workers, pets, landlords, etc to vote for your pic!
InstaDerby has three tiers of Stallion-dom:
Heck yes, there are!
We've partnered with our favorite Instagram-inspired companies to award our winning Stallion each week.
We're always on the lookout for more, so hit us up and let us know if there's anything you'd like to see.
Do we like ice cream? Yes! Submit as many photos as you like, as long as they capture the theme of the week.
You can vote once per image per day for as many pics as you like.
Yes, if your pics are mucho magnificent you've got a great shot of winning and/or lighting up the Leaderboard.
Do we like ice cream? Yes, if your pics are mucho magnificent, why not get cozy in the hall of fame?
Umm that's kind of random... Rainbow..?
Playing is easy! Take a pic with Instagram and tag it with #instaderby (#theme of the week). Then visit the site to share and vote for your pic!


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Parallels is a clean, modern magazine and portfolio WordPress theme with boat loads of powerful features utilising the latest WordPress 3.5 features with 3 custom post types, unlimited colors, and lot of shortcodes and options. More than 50 options of customization are provided too…Try it !
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daknife wrote:Umm Your "Lap of America" is skipping 2/3rds of the country, hardly a lap if you don't touch both coasts.
I thought the same thing, but since it's about racetracks, like most of the US population, they're east of the Mississippi. 80% of the US population is 2 days drive from Memphis, TN.
Google "nascar track map".


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The Outdoor Campus - East
General information about your visit
Health form
Before attending TOC, double check to be sure that all of your students have a treatment authorization form on file at your school. Each student is required to have one on file. They need to be accessible, so in the rare case of an emergency, the personnel at TOC will have permission to treat the individual involved.
Please bring along an adult chaperone for each 10 students, in addition to yourself. Below you will find information titled Role of Chaperones. Please share this with the adults that have agreed to accompany your class to TOC.
Parent information
Inform parents of the trip to TOC. We have included a sample letter for parents in the appendix. The letter informs them of their student's upcoming trip, and also includes a section on what to wear to TOC programs. (See next section on proper clothing.)
Proper clothing
As our name implies, The Outdoor Campus is a place where learning takes place mostly outdoors. Participants must be made aware that dressing properly is one of the best things they can do to help insure a positive experience. Being cold and or wet, and worrying about getting dirty distracts from the experience. To avoid this, ALL PARTICIPANTS, students, teachers and chaperones should dress for the occasion. Please share this information with everyone in your group.
If a student comes to a program conducted by TOC staff and is not dressed appropriately, they will be kept inside under teacher supervision. For all-day programs, a student not dressed appropriately will not be allowed to participate. We would ask that teachers help make this decision before the student gets on the bus for the trip to TOC.
Provide all participants with name tags, if possible.
Dressing for a visit to The Outdoor Campus for Students, Teachers, & Chaperones
- Winter Boots with no heel, insulated (i.e., snow boots, moon boots, snowmobile boots, sorrels). At least two pair of socks, preferably one of them wool. Snowmobile suit, insulated pants or coveralls, or long underwear with normal weight pants. Hat that covers ears. Scarf. Mittens or insulated gloves. No exposed skin on lower legs/ankles. Minimum two layers (i.e., turtleneck shirt and sweater) with insulated jacket.
- Early Spring - Late Fall Dress as for winter: these damp days can feel colder than expected and are prime times for hypothermia. Boots are usually a must.
- Late Spring - Summer - Early Fall Clothes appropriate for the weather. Sunscreen and insect repellent at your discretion. Footwear with no heel, good tread, and good support. If you will be involved in outdoor cooking activities, do not wear sandals.
- Misc. Waterproof outerwear for days that threaten drizzle/ rain. Windbreakers for chilly, windy days. Always leave "Sunday best" at home. Children and Teachers/Chaperones should not wear new or special clothing that they would not wish to soil.
Special Needs
All of our trails are ADA accessible. However, many of our activities may take place off of the trails. Please let us know of any special needs your group may have. We will do our best to fully accommodate all of your participants.
Please notify us of any other special needs (i.e., medical conditions, allergies, behavioral concerns, communication barriers, etc.)
Expectations of participants
Any continued disruptive behavior that affects the quality of the experience for the other kids is unacceptable, as is any activity that is destructive to the grounds. Although these cases are rare, should they occur, they will be reported to the student's teacher.
Inclement weather
TOC programs will go on rain or shine. If programs are scheduled for outside, indoor activities will be substituted. All-day programs with large numbers of participants will be canceled in the event of severe weather. Every attempt at rescheduling these programs will be made.
For winter programs we will substitute indoor activities for the lower grades when the wind chill is below -10o. For the older grades the activities will be adapted to the conditions until the wind chill reaches -25o.
Independent field trips are up to the teacher. If the weather does not allow you to be outside, do not count on room being available indoors at TOC for your group. TOC programs have priority for this space.
Medical Emergencies
All TOC professional staff have up-to-date certification in standard first aid and CPR for children and adults. In the event that TOC staff determines immediate medical assistance is required, an ambulance will be called to the scene.
If medical attention is required on a non-emergency basis, TOC staff will:
- Recommend that the teacher follow normal school procedures regarding ill / injured students.
- Ask a teacher or accompanying adult to take the individual to get medical treatment. TOC cannot provide transportation in a state vehicle to anyone not employed by the State of South Dakota.
Students will need to bring their own lunch. Due to the high volume of visitors, we do not provide indoor eating spaces for groups. The Sertoma Science Playground and picnic shelter is across the parking lot and provides a good setting for a meal. It may be a good idea to call the City Parks and Recreation Department to reserve space in the picnic shelter for your group. The phone number is 605.367.7060. During the winter months, when the weather is not conducive to picnics, you will have to make arrangements for off campus lunches.
Role of Chaperones
Thank you for volunteering to be a chaperone for the field trip to The Outdoor Campus! Here are some things to keep in mind as you prepare to chaperone your group's field trip!
Provide Encouragement!
TOC staff and volunteers will always offer encouragement to children participating in a program. Group leaders and chaperones can add their enthusiasm and support to children, too, especially during the outdoor portions of the program where students may be working individually or in pairs.
Participate in Activities!
We expect that all chaperones will participate in the activities with the youth. Depending on the program, that may include fishing, nature study, nature games, or hikes. Please limit any conversation among adults in the back of the group, as it provides a distraction and is a cue for children that their complete attention is not required.
Remember - You are a Role Model!
Your reactions are also important. At TOC, we want to develop positive attitudes towards the outdoors and all living creatures (including spiders, insects, snakes, etc.). It is essential that chaperones portray positive reactions to these animals, or at the very least do not exhibit a negative response.
Help Supervise
We ask that chaperones disperse themselves throughout the group, and let the TOC staff member know of any unsafe behavior. Group leaders and chaperones are responsible for supervision of group behavior and group safety before and after a program. TOC staff will manage the group during the program. In rare instances where TOC staff determine that a child's behavior is having an unresolvable negative impact on the experience for the rest of the group, they may request that the leader/chaperone supervise the child in an area separate from the rest of the group for a portion of the program.
Please - No Coaching!
Chaperones are asked to resist the temptation to "coach" the kids by whispering an answer in a child's ear. (Yes, it's common!) Many of the Naturalist's questions are meant to challenge the children, and an immediate answer is not expected nor sought. Thanks!
If you are driving, please obey the posted speed limit of 15 mph after entering the park.
Our trails border the road, and many children use them. School groups have been pulled over and cited by the police for violating the park speed limit!
Dress appropriately!
Wear old clothes and sneakers/boots. You may need a raincoat


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Superior Quality. These Altezza style tail lights are manufactured to high standards from superior quality materials for a perfect fit. So there are no modifications or extra wiring required for installation.
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Last time with Helene Troy: https://lancemyblogcanbeatupyourblog.wordpress.com/2012/03/21/thehandthatfeeds/
Helene stared into the cracked mirror above a dirty sink in the rock club bathroom. She held her calloused hands under a weak trickle of cold water. A dramatic toss of long brown hair preceded her rant to her friend, Jackson.
"Sadie's great. She plays four instruments and has an amazing ear for chord changes. She's okay with lyrics. But the girl can't make a decision. I'm like her mom. She leans on me for everything."
Helene turned off the water and shook her hands dry while looking into Jackson's scruffy face.
"Mara's become worthless. She hasn't written for this band in six months. She smokes pot with Darcy or whoever she's banging, then has the balls to question me for being late or working outside the band? I want to play with a good drummer but not one that's a hypocrite and a backstabber."
Jackson chuckled. Helene stood close to him.
"I just don't relate to anything we do. It's loud, riot-grrl shit that no one cares about, anymore. We're good, but we're never going to be great because Sadie has no guts and Mara has no heart. Also, I hate our manager. He's the damn devil. And not the cool kind in Slayer songs."
Jackson unfolded his muscular arms and responded.
"Helene, you just described my band and a million others. In five minutes, I'm going to play songs I hate. Your ex, my lead singer, makes me violently angry on a daily basis because he's a self-absorbed baby. But it's the game, and we have to play it we want to do it for a living. Otherwise, we play bars on the weekends and get a real fucking job."
Helene walked into Jackson's black-shirted chest. A knock bounced off the wooden door. Jackson embraced Helene and whispered through her wet brown mane.
"You have to believe in your talent and let that give you a clean conscience. Your booze is outside this door. Drink it as good as you played tonight."
****blogger's note****
This is another new episode of The Ballad of Helene Troy. You can find the rest of the story, so far, here: https://lancemyblogcanbeatupyourblog.wordpress.com/the-ballad-of-helene-troy/ This 33 word piece is prompted by Trifecta Writing Challenge's "Clean" – http://www.trifectawritingchallenge.com/ clean (adjective)
1: free from dirt or pollution
2: unadulterated, pure
3 a : free from moral corruption or sinister connections of any kind <a candidate with a clean record>


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Nevertheless, one political website, TheDailyBeast.com, is using a recent incident in Virginia to at least broach the subject that links racism to the South's view of President Obama.
The incident is somewhat predictable: Just outside of Richmond, Va., a group that calls itself the "Virginia Flaggers" has bought land adjacent to Interstate 95 where it will erect a 50-foot pole and fly a 10 foot-by-15 foot Confederate battle flag.
In fairness, The Daily Beast is clearly not a fan of Southern heritage groups. Likewise, the Daily Beast uses a liberal amount of election statistics that highlights Obama's standing among mainstream Deep South voters.
Eventually, The Daily Beast wrote, "Since we know white Southerners are heavily Republican and unusually hostile to Obama, it's not a stretch to think they've experienced a large increase in anti-black prejudice as well. Or, put another way, in a region of the country where some whites continue to celebrate the Confederacy enthusiastically (see, again, the Virginia Flaggers), it's reasonable to see a link between high opposition to the black president and racial prejudice."
Don't consider this as support or condemnation. It is, however, an interesting discussion for Southern voters to have, considering the topics involved.
-- Phillip Tutor


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Benefit for Jean (Stumbaugh) Richardson will be from 4 to 7 p.m. at Greer Wesleyan Church, 20189 Ohio 514, Glenmont OH 44628.
Richardson, a member of Greer Wesleyan Church, is fighting Glioblastoma Muftioforme, which is an aggressive form of brain cancer.
There will be a chili cook-off (contestants can bring chili), call Brenda at 740-504-4379; and a silent auction (to donate items call Sherri at 740-501-5383). There will also be music, a bake sale, hot dogs and beverages. Donations accepted.
Monetary donations may be mailed to Greer Wesleyan Church payable to Jean Richardson.
Published on July 13, 2012


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Cloud Forests, Hummingbirds and Wiñay Wayna: Springtime in PeruMay 16th, 2012 by Smithsonian Journeys
A popular and respected naturalist, Patty Hostiuck is well-versed in tropical as well as polar ecosystems. She began her career in Alaska as a ranger; since then she has worked as a freelance naturalist and lecturer on numerous expedition ships. Patty, who has led over 50 trips with Smithsonian Journeys, has guided travelers to the Amazon and Orinoco Rivers, Chile, Costa Rica, Belize, the Galápagos, Iceland, Botswana, Australia and Borneo, among many other destinations. Below is a post about her most recent trip—this one to Peru.
In April, I served as Study Leader for Smithsonian's Legendary Peru trip with a delightful group of guests, most of whom were not only first-time Smithsonian travelers but also first-time visitors to South America. Peru is a great country to begin one's exploration of South America; it contains the greatest number of archaeological sites and boasts the most highly evolved ancient civilizations on the continent, including the Inca Empire. Machu Picchu was the magnet that drew most of these guests here, but as they have now learned, Peru offers other rewards—delicious and daring cuisine; breathtaking scenery and varied geography, from desert to mountains, cloud forest to lowland jungle; myriad wildlife and botanical wonders; friendly, authentic and down-to-earth people; and, yes, abundant shopping!—certainly a country worthy of repeat visits.
Our April visit turned out to be wonderful timing. In Lima, the capital, the weather was sunny and bright, lacking the gray garúa mist that predominates June – October, and the abundance of flowers was a tonic to those of us just emerging from winter. Although April is the end of the rainy season in the mountains, our weather nonetheless was splendid in Cuzco, Machu Picchu and Lake Titicaca. Highland terraced crops were like colorful patchwork quilts, while potatoes—which originated in Peru—were being harvested by colorfully dressed, hard-working Quechua people.
Machu Picchu's high season for tourists is June – August, so it was a pleasure to explore the magnificent ruins in less crowded conditions. In addition, several species of orchids were in bloom including a towering red Sobralia and a dainty pink Epidendrum locally called "wiñay wayna" which means "forever young." Due to its location in the Andean cloud forest, Machu Picchu and environs harbors a great diversity of hummingbirds. Feeders at our cloud forest lodge attracted energetic swarms of at least six species of these glittering avian jewels with colorful names like Collared Inca, Sparkling Violetear and Chestnut-breasted Coronet.
Peru lived up to all its promises, both cultural and natural, ancient and current. Smithsonian guests departed well-satisfied with their choice and already planning their next visit to South America. What will it be? Patagonia? Amazon?
Click here to read more about Smithsonian's upcoming Legendary Peru departures this fall and winter.


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HTC and Verizon Wireless have jointly announced the HTC Droid DNA, a smartphone with a Full HD 1080p display.
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The HTC Droid DNA is priced at US$199.99 with a two-year customer agreement.
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Digitimes Research expects demand in the domestic China market to reach 422 million smartphones in 2014, with 278 million units contributed by China-based smartphone vendors.
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